A great season, and another coming up!

This past Saturday we put our Niswonger Season to rest with a fun, rollicking and rocking “Music of Queen” concert. I had the unique perspective this time from the stage of seeing the audience enjoy the concert. I wish you could have the perspective I enjoyed.  I think it’s what inspires performers to do what they do. Thanks (again) for being such a great audience!

Looking back on this season, I pause and think about what really stands out in my mind. Certainly the soaring tones, melodic lines and inspiring lyrics of tenor Ronan Tynan got us off to a great start to the season.  Then who could forget the memorable stories from legendary Coach Bob Knight or the Lennon Sisters, who took us back to our childhood memories with their still vibrant and beautiful blending voices? The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldier’s Chorus inspired us and the Oak Ridge Boys gave us a memorable Christmas. “Shrek: the Musical” was an amazing production and the American Spiritual Ensemble once again was superbly inspirational! Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band provided the best big band sound I have maybe ever heard and then we just rocked out to the music of Queen.

These are the ones that really stood out for me. I am certain there were others that many of you enjoyed. Looking back on the season helps remind us as to why we enjoy live entertainment and music, especially at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

Now, believe it or not, as I look at the upcoming 2013-14 season, I honestly think it may be the most outstanding of all!  It has been nearly six months in the making and our programming committee and I are anxious to share it with you.  We will announce it on June 12 and we want you to join us for the exciting news. We will be holding a noon press conference at the Niswonger PAC and want you, as well as all the media, to be a part of it.  We will even serve up lunch for you.  Stay tuned for details.

Our new Community Concert season has already been announced and we are busy processing directors, sponsors and patrons. If you would like to be an extra supporter of the Community Concert series, we invite you to join now for the best available seats in the house. Beginning May 31, we will open the series to all who would like to purchase the four-concert package at the low price of just $60.  Debbie Boone is featured in this series and will be joined by the SONOS hand bell ensemble at Christmas, the music of Rodgers & Hammerstein with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, and the amazing Voices of Unity Choir from Fort Wayne, Ind.

Tucked between all this excitement will be the Fountain Park Summer Music Series this summer.  The fun gets started on June 9 with Phil Dirt & the Dozers during the Peony Festival/ArtRageous on Main.  It’s always a good time in the park when the Dozers come to town.  A warm-up concert in the park will be held May 24 with the Van Wert Area Concert Band.  Director Richard Sherrick will have the band tuned and ready to entertain you just a week from this Saturday.

Find information about all the upcoming Van Wert County Foundation Sponsored concerts in Fountain Park by going to Facebook “Fountain Park Summer Music Series” or visit the County Foundation website at www.vanwertcountyfoundation.org or the NPAC website at www.npacvw.org.

Our friends at Visionary Promotions also have the concerts listed. We thank them for their courtesy.  We also have brochures available at the VWCF office and the Niswonger box office.

Stay tuned for many exciting announcements as we move forward!

FINÉ.